The Elizabeth Plankinton mansion was built in 1886 by John Plankinton in anticipation of of his daughter, Elizabeth's, marriage to British sculptor, Richard Hamilton Park. Unfortunately before the couple were married and could move into the new home, Park changed his mind and ran off with a dancer from Minneapolis. After that event Elizabeth chose not to live in the palatial structure and spent much of her time abroad. The mansion was empty until 1896 when it was purchased by the widowed Mrs. Hugh L. Johnston. The Knights of Columbus began using the structure in 1910 and would occupy it until it was destroyed in 1980. Marquette University purchased the land around the mansion in 1975. The Elizabeth Plankinton mansion was on the list of the National Register of Historic Places and many students, polticians and citizens protested when they learned of plans to tear it down. However, their efforts were to no avail, as bulldozers began demolishing the building on October 11, 1980, before the permits were issued for such activities.

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